PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS NEEM/ 539

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Pintao AM et al., In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of

benzyl isothiocyanate: a natural product from Tropaeolum

majus. In: PH 61(3):233-236. 1995.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
   Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
   Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
   Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
   Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
   pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
   York 1995.
   Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
   Stuttgart 1997.

Nasturtium officinale

See Watercress

Neem

Antelaea azadirachta

TRADE NAMES

Neem (available from numerous manufacturers)

DESCRIPTION

Mediemal .Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the

bark, die leaves? the" branches, the seeds and the latex.

Flower and Fruit: The plant has small white flowers.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Antelaea azadirachta is a deciduous

tree up to 16 m high with leaves that are compound,

alternate, oblong, ovate-lanceolate and pointed. The bark is

grayish-brown, externally fissured, and has a buff inner

surface and fibrous fracture.

Characferistics: The plant has no odor, the taste is bitter.

Habitat: Indigenous to the woods of India and Sri Lanka.

Found today in other tropical regions such as Indonesia,

Australia and western Africa.

Production: Neem tree bark, leaves and seeds are the trunk
and branch bark, leaves and seeds of Azadirachta indica or of
the closely related variety (in the literature often given as a
synonym) of Melia azedarach.

Other Names: Azedarach, Holy Tree, Nim

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: NEEM SEED OIL

Triterpenes and tetranortriterpenes (limonoids and protoli-

monoids of the gedunin-group): for example nimbolin A and

B, nimbin, gedunin

COMPOUNDS: NEEM BARK AND LEAVES

Tannin

Volatile oil

EFFECTS

Azadirachta indica has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic

properties. Melia azedarach has an anthelmintic effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Azadirachta indica is used in inflammatory

and febrile diseases (including malaria, although uncon-

firmed). Melia azedarach is used for worm infestation.

Indian Medicine: Antelaea azadirachta is used for inflamma-

tory and febrile diseases (including malaria and leprosy,

although unconfirmed), dyspeptic complaints and worm

infestation.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or "side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The drug is available as a tincture.

A slightly narcotic decoction can be prepared (said to lower

a fever). An ointment for killing lice is administered

topically.

How Supplied:

Capsules — 475 mg

LITERATURE

Adnrei GM et al., (1986) Experientia 42 (7):843.

Anon Pat. Appl 83/234, 294 Japan 1983.

Bray DH et al., (1985) Trans Royal Soc Trop Med Hyg 79:

426.

Ekong DEU, (1967) Chem Comm 808.

Ekong DEU, Ibiyemi SA, (1971) Chem Comm: 1177.

El Said et al., (1968), Study of certain Nigerian plants used in

Fever. Communication at the Inter-Africa Symposium Dakar.

Garg GP, Nigam SK, Ogle CW, The gastric antiulcer effects of

the leaves of Neem tree. In: PM 59(3):215. 1993.

Godvindachari T et al., JNP 55:596-601. 1992.

Kraus W, Bokel M, (1981) Chemische Berichte 114:267.

Lavie D, Levy EC, (1969) Tetrahedron Letters 3525.

Okpanyi SN, Ezenkwu GC, (1981) Planta Med 41:34.

Pat. Appl 83/234, 294 Japan (1983).